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Virat Kohli's South African Masterclass: How His 11th Century Streak Rewrites History

Virat Kohli is absolutely dominating South Africa in ODIs. He just smashed his second consecutive century of the series in Raipur, proving his form is still scorching. This incredible knock marks the 11th time in his career he's scored tons in back-to-back ODI innings. With this, he's also inching closer to the legendary 28,000-run milestone in international cricket.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Hits 11th ODI Century Streak Against South Africa

  • Scored 102 off 93 balls in Raipur after a 135 in Ranchi, continuing sublime form
  • Now has 7 ODI centuries vs South Africa, the most by any batter
  • This marks his 11th instance of scoring centuries in successive ODI innings
  • His last three ODI knocks against the Proteas have all been centuries
  • Stands just 90 runs away from joining the elite 28,000-run international club
3 min read

Virat's streak of happiness: Indian batting legend continues scorching run against SA, achieves 11th instance of a remarkable feat

Virat Kohli scores back-to-back ODI centuries vs South Africa, achieving his 11th instance of consecutive tons and nearing 28,000 international runs.

"Virat against South Africa in ODIs is a different beast, and that beast has gone notches above statistically against the Proteas. - Article"

Raipur, December 3

Indian batting legend Virat Kohli continued his fine run against South Africa and ate further into record books with his second successive century against the Proteas in the second ODI of the three-match series at Raipur on Wednesday.

After slamming an explosive 120-ball 135 in the first ODI at Ranchi, consisting of 11 fours and seven sixes, Virat continued his sublime form in the ODIs, scoring a 93-ball 102, with seven fours and two sixes. He struck at 109.68 while taking minimal risks, proving his mastery in the format with his risk-free accumulation, top-class speed while running between the wickets and brilliant judgement while taking singles and doubles.

Virat against South Africa in ODIs is a different beast, and that beast has gone notches above statistically against the Proteas. In 33 matches and 31 innings, Virat has scored 1,741 runs at an average of 69.64 against the Proteas at a strike rate of 88.51, with seven centuries and eight fifties. This is the most centuries against Proteas in ODI format by a batter.

Also, with this second successive ton in ODIs, this is the 11th instance when Virat has had a streak of centuries in two or more successive ODI innings, with Proteas legend AB de Villiers being his distant rival with six such instances.

He has also had 13 different streaks of three or more successive innings with 50-plus scores in ODIs, the highest by any batter, and Rohit Sharma is second with 11 such streaks.

Notably, his last three ODI knocks against South Africa have been centuries, the 101* at Kolkata against them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and two centuries in this series.

In 12 ODIs this year, Virat has scored 586 runs in 12 innings at an average of 58.60, with a strike rate of 92.72, including three centuries, three fifties and a best score of 135.

Notably, Virat stands just 90 runs away from joining Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara in the 28,000-run club in international cricket. In 555 international matches, he has made 27,910 runs at an average of 52.46, with 84 centuries and 144 fifties in 622 innings and a best score of 254*. He is the third-highest international run-getter of all time, with Sachin (34,357 runs) at the top.

Coming to the Raipur ODI, India was put to bat first by the Proteas, who had the hosts down at 62/2 after dismissals of Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22). Virat (102 in 93 balls, with seven fours and two sixes) and Ruturaj (105 in 83 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes) put on a 195-run stand for the third wicket, putting India in command. Later, KL Rahul (66* in 43 balls, with seven fours and two sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (24* in 27 balls, with two fours) finished off in style with a quickfire 69-run stand for the sixth wicket.

Marco Jansen (2/63) was the top bowler for the Proteas.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, watching Virat bat is pure joy. His consistency is unmatched. 11 instances of back-to-back ODI centuries? That stat alone is mind-boggling. The hunger is still there!
P
Priya S
What a player! Just 90 runs away from 28,000 international runs. He's carrying the legacy of Sachin sir forward with such grace and aggression. The entire nation is proud. Wishing him many more centuries!
R
Rohit P
Amazing knock, no doubt. But I hope the team management gives chances to youngsters like Shubman Gill too in these bilateral series. We need to build bench strength for the big tournaments. Virat is a legend, but planning for the future is also key.
V
Vikram M
His average against SA is nearly 70! That's not just good, that's domination. He truly becomes a different beast when he plays them. The running between the wickets is still top-class. Energy levels are unbelievable for someone with so many matches under his belt.
K
Kavya N
So happy to see him smiling and enjoying his cricket again. After the tough phase, this resurgence is inspiring for everyone. The dedication shows. More power to you, Virat! 💪

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